Friday, February 13, 2015

Wounded Warriors: The Movie Breaking the Silence on the Struggle with PTSD

I'm excited to introduce you to this movie, Wounded Warriors. Silver Dove Films will be producing this film. Silver Dove says they "believe that now is the time for a film to show the personal stories of the sacrifices our Veterans and their families make for our freedom." And I have to agree.

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PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, effects almost 31 percent of Vietnam veterans, as many as 10 percent of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans, and 11 percent of veterans of the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Millions suffer from it with at least 22 Veterans a day taking their own lives; one every 65 minutes.

My first novel, The Wounded Warrior's Wife, was birthed from walking with my husband as he struggled with PTSD. I can't think back on those days without reliving the emotion, the panic, stress, fear, and uncertainty. It's still very real to me...to both he and I. Healing is a journey, and I'm not sure if it's one we'll get to this side of heaven, but I'm grateful for those who came along side us to pray, share their stories, offer encouragement, and for a Command that ensured my husband got the help he needed and deserved. We've been on this healing from PTSD journey for a decade now. We're closer together as a couple than we were at the start, and that's beautiful, but our life could've looked a lot different. For many of our friends battling PTSD, the outcome...well, it was destructive on many levels.

I'd say the most difficult step of our journey with PTSD was the very first one: admitting there's a problem. PTSD can be a silent war, with silent sufferers, when there is no need to do so. Speaking out helps, and that's why I am thrilled to help producer Michael Grier spread the word about Wounded Warriors, the movie.

The film is inspired by true stories and focuses on the reconciliation between two veterans, a father and a son. The son battles with PTSD, which actually began in childhood when his Vietnam War-traumatized father failed to deal with his own demons. The emotional abuse the boy suffers is intensified by later experiences in Afghanistan, and he turns to alcohol to deal with it. The film not only highlights the effects of PTSD on a young Veteran’s family, but also the courage it takes the entire family to overcome his difficult battles.

This film will also be financed by individual and corporate donations with 50% of the films net profits donated to non-profit organizations that benefit Veterans. This will be a quality film with a powerful message that honors our Veterans and Silver Dove Films appreciates your help by taking the time to Donate.